Master Innholders unveil GM of the Future 2026 shortlist
Five talented and enthusiastic hotel professionals have been shortlisted for the prestigious Master Innholders GM of the Future Award 2026.
Designed for early career professionals with both high leadership and managerial potential, the annual award recognises and rewards those who can demonstrate their ability to champion the hotel industry and inspire others.
The five individuals shortlisted for the GM of the Future Award 2026 are as follows:
- Charlie Banks, Rooms Division Manager, The Rubens at the Palace
- Anna Kane, Hotel Manager, The Mayfair Townhouse
- Kasia Kudzia, Hotel Operations Manager, 11 Cadogan Gardens & The Chelsea Townhouse
- Ashleigh McGuire, Operations Manager, Oulton Hall
- Christopher Turner, Operations Manager, Dakota Newcastle
The five hoteliers will be invited to attend the upcoming Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place 19-20 January at London Hilton on Park Lane, where the winner will be announced at the black-tie dinner during the evening on the first day of the conference.
The winner of the GM of the Future Award will be provided with a fully funded scholarship for the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University Buckinghamshire, valued at over £11,000. The funding has been generously funded by the late Neil Bannister, whose legacy in the hospitality industry continues to inspire.
Created to support early career high-potential managers, the Talent Development programme focuses on organisational awareness, effective leadership, strategic mindsets and emotional intelligence to help support students become effective leaders in their field of work.
The runner-up on the night will be awarded a placement on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence Programme, which is composed of a two-day course in which a specific leadership challenge is presented and worked through strategically.
Nominations for the GM of the Future Award were judged by a panel of leading hoteliers and experts in the industry, including James B. Clarke MI, the Chair of the Master Innholders and General Manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, Zoe Jenkins MI, Vice Chair of the Master Innholders and General Manager at Coworth Park, Gareth Banner MI, Group Managing Director of The Ned and Hotelier of the Year 2024, Brigitta Kovacs IG, Assistant Hotel Manager at Lucknam Park hotel and 2025 GM of the Future Winner, and Alistair Sandall, Executive Secretary of the Master Innholders.
The judges expressed the five shortlisted all showed a commitment to their work and industry, as well as showcasing their drive to develop their teams as well as themselves.
Commenting on those shortlisted, James B. Clarke MI, Chair of the Master Innholders and judge of this year’s GM of the Future Award, said:
“Our five finalists are exemplary examples of what some of our early career professionals are already doing in our industry. It’s why programmes like the GM of the Future are so important, as it equips enthusiastic professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in our industry – skills and knowledge they may not otherwise receive without programmes like these.
Choosing our shortlist has been a difficult task, with a 63% increase in total applicants compared to last year. But reading about so many different accomplishments and successes across our industry is encouraging and shows a real drive of people wanting to develop both themselves and their teams.”